Braun universal viewfinder

[Jonathan R]

Has anybody tried one of these with an M Leica? I'm interested to know how it would work for a spectacle wearer, and whether the frames are usefully accurate with an M Leica. The finder is adjustable for a range of focal lengths and has vertical parallax compensation.

 

[Coldkennels]

I used one for screwmounts years ago, and eventually sold it. It's a cropping finder like the VIOOH/IMARECT, which means the view gradually gets smaller as you go through the focal lengths. 35mm isn't bad, but 135mm is like framing through a tiny hole. And in case that description doesn't make it obvious, there's no framelines - just a rectangular aperture.

This does mean that you shouldn't have any issues with regards to not being able to see the full frame with glasses on, but from what I remember, the eyepiece is metal with a serrated edge, so it's a pretty easy way of leaving deep scratches in your lenses unless you cover the metal with something.

Basically, if I was you, I'd give it a miss. You're better off with dedicated finders for your favourite focal lengths if you're not happy with the built-in M finder.

 

[Jonathan R]

That's exactly what I needed to hear, disappointing though it is. Many thanks for your straightforward advice. I was just clutching at straws to avoid finding 300 quid for a Leica 35mm finder (or more for a plastic version) just yet awhile. Sigh.

 

[Coldkennels]

If all you want it for is 35mm, it's not the worst thing in the world (assuming you don't mind having a solid aperture and not framelines). There's not a lot of good alternatives for 35mm; even the 35mm Voigtlander finders are like hens' teeth now. Worst case scenario is that you buy one, use it for a while, and flip it for the same price you bought it for down the line.

You could also consider the Canon 35mm finders - I know the later one (with the round black body) has framelines and is usually considerably cheaper than a SBLOO, but I've never seen one in person.

 

[BernardL]

Russian turret finder? different magnification for each focal length, hence constant apparent frame size.

 

[Coldkennels]

Russian turret finder? different magnification for each focal length, hence constant apparent frame size.

Mine, at least, is wildly inaccurate. 35mm and 28mm are both considerably wider views than the intended focal lengths.

I keep meaning to track down a Zeiss one to see if it's any better in that regard; I'd be interested to hear if any folks on here have both and can compare them.

 

[rfaspen]

The turret finders sure look cool 😎. Might not be a great solution though -- kind of a big blob on top of the body and all.

There was a cheap semi-DIY 35mm finder option that used optics from a P+S camera. Not sure if this is still a viable option...perhaps they have become scarce as well with folks buying up the donors and making finders? I've seen pics of the finder here on RFF and elsewhere. It looks good for glasses wearers.

I think the donor camera was the Canon Owl (?)

 

[Cascadilla]

I've had good luck with a Zeiss #440 (post war turret finder for Contax) with 21, 35, 50, 85, and 135 lenses. It is reasonably accurate, has parallax correction and has diopter correction so I can use it without glasses.

 

[peterm1]

I have one of these finders (I have a small collection of turret finders etc.) but have not used it for a couple of years. The only thing slightly negative I can say about the Braun finder is that its "foot" seems to be a bit thicker than many others and this can make mounting it on some cameras problematic. I do not recall if this is a problem with a Leica M specifically however. I will leave other comments and answers to your specific questions to those who have more recent experience than I (or who, unlike me, have the time to get their finder and their M out of camera storage and mount and try it).
In general however I can say I have found it to be well made and perhaps because it only offers a small range of focal lengths somewhat more compact to other turret finders I have.

 

[farlymac]

You have to watch it with Canon finders as some of those are designed to work with the models that have an auto parallax mechanism, so you wouldn't be able to control them on an M or any other camera for that matter. You'd have to make sure it has an adjustment ring on the rear. Nikon also made finders as they supplied lenses to makers of Barnack clones, but they are more expensive. I've seen other turret finders that only had three or four lenses on them, maybe they could be had at a decent price. Here is a selection on US eBay https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=Turret+finder&_sacat=625&_ipg=200

The Accura looks like your best bet if you can source one over there.

PF

 

[Out to Lunch]

An excellent option is the Voigtlander multi-format 15-35mm Zoom Finder. My version covers full-frame, 1.3, and 1.5 sensors -which I use with my Epson's. When you use multiple formats and more than two, or three wide-angle lenses, the Zoom Finder is worth the money. Cheers, OtL